A collection of our most recent news, press mentions, and media assets to help you learn more about The Brother Benno Foundation, our mission, and our services.
Please check back often for updates and news, and don’t hesitate to reach out to media@brotherbenno.org with questions or requests.
Brother Benno's provides essential services to North San Diego County’s homeless
February 17, 2026 – CBS 8 San Diego Information and Volunteer Coordinator, Elias Vazquez, provides and overview of current services and needs for Brother Benno's a nonprofit organization, based in Oceanside that provides food, clothing and addiction recovery to North San Diego County’s homeless population.
Brother Benno’s wins thrift store category in BEST of 2025 San Luis Rey Awards
February 6, 2026 –Brother Benno’s, a nonprofit organization providing food, clothing, addiction
recovery and essential services to North San Diego County’s homeless and working poor,
recently won the thrift store category of BEST of 2025 San Luis Rey Awards.
Brother Benno’s invites the public to learn about 2026 volunteer opportunities with January 17 volunteer orientation
January 8, 2026 –The nonprofit organization, which provides food, clothing, addiction recovery and essential services to North San Diego County’s homeless and working poor, invites the public to volunteer.
Someone San Diego Should Know: John Caterino
DECEMBER 19, 2025 San Diego Union Tribune Yes, Santa Claus is real, and he drives a truck for Brother Benno’s. John Caterino, 68, has been an invited Santa Claus guest hundreds of times at locations ranging from Balboa Park to neighborhood gatherings. His natural long white beard and hair, warm smile and demeanor and his Santa outfit help children believe. Subscription may be required.
Marine Corps veteran who served as U.S. attorney joins Brother Benno’s volunteer board
NOVEMBER 29, 2025 San Diego Union Tribune Long-time volunteer Tara McGrath, a Marine Corps veteran and former U.S. Attorney for California’s Southern District, has joined nonprofit Brother Benno’s board of directors.Tara McGrath began volunteering at the Oceanside nonprofit in 2007. Subscription may be required.
Brother Benno’s names former U.S. attorney and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Tara McGrath to its Board of Directors
October 22, 2025 Brother Benno’s, a nonprofit organization serving North County, San Diego County’s
homeless and working poor named Tara McGrath to its board of directors. McGrath is a former U.S. attorney for California’s Southern District and a U.S.
Brother Benno's Foundation opens ‘free' grocery-style market for those in need
October 15, 2025 NBC San Diego Group The nonprofit opened the site in Oceanside to offer fresh food to those in vulnerable financial situations, reports NBC 7’s Nichelle Medina.
Brother Benno’s opens free grocery-style market in Oceanside
September 16, 2025 The Coast News Group A new indoor market is offering free groceries and a dignified shopping experience for homeless and low-income households in North County. Brother Benno’s launched the market just over a month ago to feed those in need while replicating the feel of a traditional grocery store.
Brother Benno’s new Indoor Market offers free groceries, dignity for shoppers
September 10, 2025 KPBS Public Media It looks like your neighborhood supermarket. It feels like one, down to the shopping carts. And that's the point.
New market for the homeless and others opens in Oceanside
September 10, 2025 ABC 10 News The new 1,400-square-foot market is indoors at Brother Benno’s on Production Avenue in Oceanside. It is stocked with items such as fresh produce, eggs, meat, dairy, herbs and bread.
Charity golf tournament raises funds for Brother Benno's in Oceanside
September 9, 2025 CBS A sold-out charity golf tournament in support of Brother Benno's took place on Tuesday at the Goat Hill Golf Course in Oceanside. The 7th annual event brought together local businesses, professional surfers and community members to raise funds for the organization.
A free grocery store opens in North County for homeless people
September 7, 2025 San Diego Union Tribune The Brother Benno's market comes at a time when nonprofits are feeling pressure from multiple directions. (Subscription may be required)
Brother Benno’s Thrift Shop to hold back-to-school sale Aug. 16
August 15, 2025 Back-to-school shopping just got easier less expensive with Brother Benno’s Thrift Shop’s Back-to-school Sale, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Aug. 16, at 3955 Mission Ave., in Oceanside.
TrueCare and Brother Benno’s provide healthcare to homeless
August 14, 2025 The Coast News In celebration of National Health Center Week, TrueCare and Brother Benno’s joined forces once again to host their annual “Healthcare for the Homeless” event on Aug. 7. Held at Brother Benno’s in Oceanside, the event brought a full range of essential services directly to members of North County’s unhoused community. The event supported people experiencing homelessness in North County by offering essential services, personal care and assistance with public benefits enrollment.
Brother Benno's tees up for their Seventh Annual Golf Tournament
July 20, 2025 Audacy Living Better in San Diego Podcast & Radio Show - DinaMarie Ahee, Deputy Executive Director for Brother Benno’s, discusses their impact and this fundraising golf tournament to be held Tuesday, September 9th at Goat Hills Park in Oceanside
Registration open, sponsorships available for Brother Benno’s Seventh Annual Charity Golf Tournament
July 14, 2025 - Registration is open, and sponsorships are available for Brother Benno’s seventh annual charity golf tournament, set for Sept. 9 at Goat Hill Park, 2323 Goat Hill Drive in Oceanside. Corporate sponsorships are available, ranging from the $3,000 Champion Sponsorship to the $10,000 title sponsorship; Hole sponsorships are $1,000. Businesses and individuals can sponsor an active-dutmilitary golfer for $250.
Brother Benno’s to celebrate Father Charles Wright’s 90th birthday
July 8, 2025 -Brother Benno’s, a nonprofit group serving the homeless, working poor and seniors in San Diego’s North County, will host a 90th birthday for board member Father Charles Wright. Wright has become an honorary Brother Benno’s chaplain, chaired its foundation’s board still leads 10:30 a.m. Mass.
From foes to family: Sobriety bonds ex-cop and former homeless man
July 7, 2025 - Featured on CBS8 San Diego's Zeveloy Zone, a former Oceanside police officer and a man he frequently arrested have formed an unlikely friendship, transforming from adversaries to family. Lonny Harper, a retired Oceanside police officer, and Ron Lamb, a former homeless man turned employee at Brother Benno's, a local non-profit, have overcome their past to forge a close bond.
Brother Benno’s receives $50,000 gift for 2025 from WoodNext Foundation
April 23, 2025 - Brother Benno’s, a nonprofit organization serving North County, San Diego’s homeless, working poor and seniors, received a $50,000 gift from the WoodNext Foundation. The funds granted to Brother Benno’s fits with the organization’s focus on addressing the root causes of homelessness and systemic mental health problems.
Brother Benno Thrift Shop St. Patrick's Day Sale
March 10, 2025 - Brother Benno’s Thrift Shop will be spreading Irish blessings and cheer by holding a two-day St. Patrick’s Day Sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., March 16 and March 17, at 3955
Mission Ave., in Oceanside.
Two veterans talk about their mission leading Brother Benno’s, helping the poor and homeless
February 17, 2025 - SDUT - What 'walking the walk' looks like for two veterans bringing military experience to a different kind of rescue mission.
Volunteer Coordinator, Elias Velazquez, appears on local news to discuss volunteer needs
January 16, 2025 - Elias Velazquez, Brother Benno's Volunteer Coordinator, shares insights about our current volunteer needs, the impact our volunteers have, and how you can get involved in this KUSI and FOX5 segment.
Living Better San Diego interviews Brother Benno's Volunteer Coordinator, Elias Velazquez
January 5, 2025 - Podcast - Comprehensive and engaging, the interview aired on KSON, KYXY, Sunny 98.1, Alt 94.9 and 97.3 The Fan Sports radio. It’s an excellent overview of Brother Benno’s founding, essential and outreach services, success stories, current projects and volunteer opportunities.
California State Senator Catherine Blakespear names Brother Benno’s Executive Director Paul “Mac” McNamara Community Champion for District 38
January 15, 2025 - Media Advisory - California State Senator Catherine Blakespear, District 38, will present Paul “Mac” McNamara, executive director of Brother Benno’s, as the January Community Champion of the Month, 10 a.m., Jan. 16, at the Brother Benno’s Center, 3260 Production Ave., in Oceanside.
Brother Benno’s Thrift Shop extends store hours
December 13, 2024 - Press Release - Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Brother Benno’s, a faith-based nonprofit organization providing food, clothing, addiction recovery and social services to North San Diego County’s homeless, working poor and seniors, expanded operation hours at its Thrift Shop, 3955 Mission Ave., in Oceanside.
Brother Benno’s unveils new solar power system
October 22, 2024 - Press Release - Brother Benno’s, a nonprofit agency providing food, clothing, addiction recovery and social services to North San Diego County’s homeless, working poor and seniors, is also doing good things for its environment — with a new solar power system.
LOCAL Closer Look: Brother Benno's
October 6, 2024 - KLOVE Radio - Jeanice Lee talks to Paul “Mac” McNamara, Executive Director of Brother Benno’s. McNamara describes their various programs and services that help support the homeless and working poor.
Brother Benno’s Thrift Shop's Halloween Themed Super Saturday Sale is September 28
September 28, 2024 - The Patch - Brother Benno's invites the public to a special Halloween themed Super Saturday Sale, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 at the nonprofit organization’s Thrift Shop, 3955 Mission Ave., in Oceanside. The event will feature an abundance of Halloween costumes, accessories and decorations, at frighteningly low prices.
Golfers from around the world tee up for annual charity golf tournament in Oceanside - CBS8
September 18, 2024 - The celebrities were out for the 6th annual Brother Benno's Charity Golf Tournament. It was held at Goat Hill Park Golf Course where golfers gathered Wednesday to help raise funds for The Brother Benno Foundation. It's the largest event of the year.
Brother Benno's 'Volunteer of the Year' helps rescue two million pounds of food
September 16, 2024 -"Santa Claus look-a-like, John Caterino, spreads goodwill and joy wherever he goes." In this Zevely Zone, Jeff Zevely meets Brother Benno's Volunteer of the Year, John Caterino.
CA: 11 Ways to Explore this Coastal City - Rent.com
September 3.2024 - Explore just a glimpse of what Oceanside has in store for you. Included is our Brother Benno Thrift Shop.
Living Better in San Diego Interview
July 10, 2024 - Paul “Mac” McNamara joined Pepper on the Living Better in San Diego show to talk about Brother Benno’s six programs and how our upcoming golf tournament helps fund these critical programs.
Oceanside Spectrum: July 2024 Edition
July 2024 - Featuring Paul 'Mac' McNamara, Brother Benno Executive Director, and Chuy Reina, Co-Chair 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Discussion includes information about Brother Benno's and the 6th Annual Charity Golf tournament.
Brother Benno’s marks 40 years helping struggling community members
June 7, 2024 - An Oceanside couple served their first meal to 18 homeless men 40 years ago. Since then they’ve served 5 million meals.
Good Business San Diego Interviews Executive Director, Paul McNamara
June 4, 2024 - Brother Benno's Executive Director, Paul McNamara, speaks about Brother Benno's history and many services.
Brother Benno’s receives new solar
March 8 2024 - Brother Benno’s and Vista Community Clinic are now equipped with new solar panels thanks to grant funding and collaboration between several local nonprofits.
Brother Benno’s serves nearly 400 on Thanksgiving Day - The Coast News
November 2023 - Brother Benno’s served 384 clients at its Thanksgiving Day meal and is prepping to serve hundreds more throughout the holiday season.
Paul McNamara, new executive director of Brother Benno's - The Coast News
September 2023 - Paul McNamara, the former mayor of Escondido, has taken over as the new executive director of Brother Benno’s.
Brother Benno’s Golf Tournament 2023
July 2023 - Learn about our 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament.
Our San Diego Gives Podcast Interview
June 2023 - Episode 32 | Uplift the Dignity of Others: Kathleen Diehlmann, Manager of Volunteers, DinaMarie Ahee, Accounting Manager, Brother Benno's
Brother Benno's Center
3260 Production Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92058Phone
(760) 439-1244
